Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre Limousine (1957 – 1968) Review

The Vanden Plas 4-Litre Limousine wasn’t really a new car at all, merely an evolution of the Austin A135 – a staple of the upper-class market in the UK which had enjoyed moderate success during its life. After a run of around 1250 examples, that car became the Vanden Plas in 1959, and would go on to live a remarkably long life. The A135 had been introduced in 1952, but as the 4-litre was the largest car in the British Motor Corporation (BMC) family, the Vanden Plas badge seemed more fitting – which it received in 1959.

The 4-Litre was offered in saloon or landaulette forms, and although it was an expensive car, it was considerably cheaper than similarly sized rival limousines from the more prestigious marques. With seating for six in three rows of two (including a pair of forward-facing occasional seats in the middle) the 4-Litre was clearly aimed at captains of industry who expected to be chauffeured from one meeting to another. Despite its size, the 4-litre could almost hit 100mph thanks to the game efforts of its 122bhp 3993cc six-cylinder engine. A four-speed automatic transmission, servo-assisted brakes (drums all round) and power-assisted steering were standard fittings.